Community Action gets Play Park

You are invited to join us on Thursday 19^th November at 2.00 when pupils from Lorne Primary School, young people from Pilmeny Youth Centre, and OOTB, who were involved in the research and design of the playground, will show off their designs. The FODSP committee will test the equipment and the young people will attempt to get a shot too, a youngster will put the last nuts and bolts in place, with a larger than life spanner. (If it rains gazebos will be provided.)

Working within the auspices of Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust’s Park Life project, the Friends of Dalmeny Street Park group (FODSP) has worked with the City of Edinburgh Council to enable the playground in the park to be renovated. The new equipment should be installed by mid-november. Local children, from Lorne Primary School, were involved in researching play equipment and helping design the park, and their drawings will be incorporated into the rubber flooring of the playground areas. New equipment will include various climbing frames, swings for all ages and a cableway. Bryan Maughan – Manager, Pilmeny Youth Centre says: “Another significant piece of the Park Life Project Jigsaw is now in place. Children and young people in the local community have spoken and hoped for such a development since the late 80s with hopes and dreams dashed for one reason or another. The forming of the FODSP group gave renewed hope and since 2005 the community has worked towards the park upgrade and it’s finally here. The new ball court construction, installed early this year, is now a major resource for the young people. The play park renovation will further enhance the healthy lifestyle message the Pilmeny Youth Centre is developing among today’s generation. On behalf of everyone concerned, especially our young members, we extend our sincere thanks to all those involved with Park Life Community Project and very special thanks to the major funding partners, City of Edinburgh Council and WREN.” Rob Hoon, Co-coordinator of Out of the Blue (OOTB) and Chair of FODSP, added, “It is a key milestone… this has been achieved by the determination of local people – through the vehicle of the FODSP – to make change happen.”

The FODSP group was founded in 2005 as a result of the Park Life community project, initiated by Out of the Blue. The park had become well known as a cherished space with dilapidated equipment. It is now flourishing under the stewardship of FODSP and partners the POLHA, Lorne Primary School, Pilmeny Youth Centre, Out of the Blue and The City of Edinburgh Council. Over 150 local people are now members of the FODSP, organising activities and campaigning for the improvement of the park, in order to generate social capital, connect to local networks and actively engage in the community. One of the main events is the Park Life Festival, a community and family day in the park organised every June by FODSP for the Leith Festival. In 2009 the Edinburgh City Council recognised the Park Life Project for excellence in community engagement.

The addition of high quality playground equipment will be much appreciated and well used by thousands of people, further increasing the value of this important local resource and improving the lives of local residents.

You are invited to join us on Thursday 19^th November at 2.00 when pupils from Lorne Primary School, young people from Pilmeny Youth Centre and OOTB who were involved in the research and design of the playground will show off their designs. The FODSP committee will test the equipment and the young people will attempt to get a shot too, a youngster will put the last nuts and bolts in place with a larger than life spanner. (If it rains gazebos will be provided.)

www.outoftheblue.org.uk

www.pilmeny.co.uk